Everybody is talking about financial literacy these days... But what is it? And more importantly, how do you "become" financial literate?

According to Investopedia, financial literacy is the education and understanding of various financial areas including topics related to managing personal finance, money and investing.

Make money, spend money: Groceries, housing, transportation, utilities, health, entertainment, and more. Oh, and don't forget about credit, debt, and financing!

If you know the cycle of your life, you know this is the reality. And you probably aren't going to change that reality. But if you spend money wisely, the cycle will be a lot easier to manage, and even more fun, too.

So, here's the secret to spending money the right way—and becoming financial literate while you're at it: Always, and I mean always, be a healthy skeptic. A healthy skeptic is a FoolProof Skeptic.

This is what FoolProof is all about: Be a healthy FoolProof skeptic when it comes to anyone who—or any company that—
wants to touch your money or impact your wellbeing.

FoolProof Skepticism is as important to your life as food. Be a FoolProof Skeptic, and the money you have will go further. You'll respect yourself more. And even your overall health and wellness may improve. And, even though some debt may be necessary, we'll show you how to manage it and help you, rather than hurt you.

So, how do you get there? How do you become a "financially literate healthy skeptic"?

Four Simple Questions

Start simple, then dig in deep. First, memorize the 4 simple—but explosively powerful—questions below, before doing anything with your money. Then, dig into FoolProof's other resources; from consumer articles and videos to buying guides, and from school curricula to self-help education.

Everybody is talking about financial literacy these days... But what is it? And more importantly, how do you "become" financial literate?

Here's how to glue FoolProof Skepticism in your brain:

1. Do I need it?
   Do you need it to survive? Or do you just want it? That can be a $500,000 question (The approximate amount of money you can throw away in your lifetime on purchases you don't need to make, or can get cheaper).

2. Can I afford it?
   Don't kid yourself here. For most everyday things, or toys and gadgets, if you can't afford to pay cash, you can't afford it. At least right now. Should you buy now, or save and buy in a while? And if you are impulse buying (which some people do all the time), please don't ever finance those impulse buys.

3. Is this the cheapest or best place I can get it?
   Cheap may be good, but not if the quality is bad. What are you looking for? Are there less-expensive alternatives that fill your want/need? Does this place have the best customer service and warranty? Are they reliable? Maybe you should compare price and quality, first...

4. Is now the right time to buy it, or will it be cheaper in the future?
   This is yet another question to help stop your impulse buying habit! At certain times it may be cheaper to buy certain items than others. Think of Black Friday and electronics, for example. But consider too, that buying on a "cheap day" isn't smart if you can't afford what you want to purchase!

Four simple questions! You can memorize those, right? Try them this week. What do you have to lose (other than money)?

Financial Literacy Education

Next, dig in deep! Get tailor-made financial literacy education:

• Article, videos & guides: you're here. Dig into topics you like!

• Middle school curriculum: FoolProof gives middle schools a unique and ethically-driven consumer life skills curriculum. We teach students the power of skepticism and how to identify and neutralize misinformation. Our solution is free and commercial free.

• High school curriculum: Up to 22 hours of free, online, video-driven, self-grading financial literacy instruction. And young people do all the teaching. You can use one "module" or you can use the entire curriculum.

• Individual education and college curriculum: Whatever your situation, Solo helps you safely navigate the free enterprise system. Navigate the system right, and your odds of succeeding in life go straight up.

• Homeschool - FoolProof for Parents: FoolProof for Parents is a great tool for kids to get ahead in life and works perfect as a tool for homeschooling.

How's that for financial literacy education?

Here's to memory glue...

Will